Blog Post

New Stanton / Youngwood, PA — Now entering its 75th year in service, Hepler’s Hardware – a family-owned and independently operated hardware store – is transferring from father, to son and daughter. Robert G. Hepler is officially passing the business onto Robert S. Hepler and his sister Megan (Hepler) Orient – the new majority owners of the parent corporation: Hepler’s Town & Country Enterprises, Inc.

Hepler’s Hardware got its start as a small feed store at 106 North 4th Street in Youngwood in 1942. At that time, Albert K. Hepler was seeking work after the Federal Government had acquired his property and grist mill in New Alexandria for the Loyalhanna Dam project and associated flood plain area. A.K. Hepler purchased the feed store from Oscar and Emerson Lankey. Soon after, they also purchased the Stanton family mill on Sewickley Creek, and ultimately relocated to the area. Today, the hardware store and Stanton Milling are the two ongoing divisions of Hepler’s Town & Country Enterprises.

Like any successful small business, over time the business venture has adapted to the changing needs of the community and economy, mirroring the shift from a largely agrarian society to typical suburbia. Business ventures have included a feed store, flour mill, retail hardware store, restaurant, poultry business, dairy operation, cement block production, power equipment sales, small engine service, wood stoves, and fencing.

For three consecutive generations, the business has been veteran-owned – a tradition that will continue with the fourth generation. Previous owners Albert K. Hepler served in the Army, and Robert H. Hepler served in the Army Air Corps. Present owner Robert G. Hepler, who served in the Army, is being succeeded by his son Robert S. Hepler, who is still serving in the Marine Corps Reserves.

“We value service to our nation, as much as to our customers and community,” commented Robert S. (aka Robbie). “Dedicated service is at the heart of our business, as demonstrated by our employees – the core group of whom have worked here for between 15 and 55 years.”

Though many family members have had a hand in the hardware store and related business ventures through the years, the business leadership has typically involved the first-born son of each generation. This is the first occurrence of a daughter being involved in the ownership. “I am really honored to be a part of the family business, and look forward to helping set the direction for the next generation.”

Future business ventures are in the works. Learn more at the hardware store’s 75th anniversary open house, set for Saturday, April 22 from 8AM – 5PM.

Hepler’s Hardware, a subsidiary of Hepler’s Town & Country Enterprises, Inc., is located at 818 Route 119 North in New Stanton, PA, just east of I-66 between New Stanton and Youngwood. For information, call (724) 925-2901, visit Heplers-Hardware.com, or follow us at facebook.com/heplershardware.